From 1966-1985, the Dallas Cowboys did not suffer a losing season which included a pair of Super Bowl Championships and in the process they earned the moniker of being named “America’s Team”. After a down period from 1986-1990, the Cowboys were once again able to hang with the big boys in the National Football League as they won three more Super Bowl Titles in the 1990’s. Since 1996, the Cowboys have been just another football team as they have only won two playoff games since then. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wants us to believe that his team is the best thing since sliced bread, but I am not ready to order a loaf from his bakery. In the past two seasons the Cowboys have gone into the last game of the regular season knowing that a victory would give them the NFC East Title. Instead the Cowboys were thwarted by the New York Giants and Washington Redskins respectively as they finished each season with a record of 8-8.
Entering the final week of the NFL season the Cowboys defense is ranked 32nd in total defense as they are surrendering 418.6 yards per game. The Cowboys have had six games this season in which they have surrendered over 30 points. Now they will look across the sidelines this Sunday night at a team in the Eagles that racked up 514 yards last night in a 54-11 victory over the Chicago Bears.
Through three quarters yesterday against the Redskins it didn’t appear as if the Cowboys would have an opportunity to play for the division title. Early in the fourth quarter of yesterday’s game against the Redskins, the Cowboys found themselves trailing 23-14. But an injured Romo was able to rally them for a 24-23 victory.
Despite their 8-7 record along with the fact that they have not won more than two games in a row all season, the Cowboys still have a chance to become division champions this season. But will they be able to seize the moment?
In the last two win-and-in scenarios, the Cowboys were on the road. This time the Cowboys are at home which means that there will be more pressure on them to get a victory. These are the games that Jones is hopeful to have Romo will lead the Cowboys to victory, but he might not have the chance. Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett must rely on the running game and running back DeMarco Murray who he has neglected at times this season. Murray is averaging 5.4 yards per game this season on the ground, but his 200 carries are 19th in the NFL which was highlighted in the Cowboys Week 15 home loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys were leading 26-3 at halftime and Murray was torching the Packers defense for 134 rushing yard on 18 carries, but when it mattered most the ball was in Romo’s hands as he threw a pair of costly fourth quarter interceptions which resulted in the Cowboys 37-36 loss.
Aside from a division crown jobs could be on the line as Garrett could be shown the door after a third consecutive 8-8 season and no playoffs in Dallas.
We have seen this script before from the Cowboys. A mediocre team that has a chance for glory as they are led by an owner that is still living in the 1990’s. After awhile the chances won’t be there and the Cowboys must find a way to finally seize the moment.
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